South African Airways (SAA) celebrates its 75th Anniversary is 2009 and is one of the oldest airlines in the world. SAA is the largest African airline and has received numerous “Best African Airline” awards from different leading magazines and international organisations.

The airline was founded on 1 February 1934 after the South African government took over the assets and liabilities of Union Airways, which up until then operated as an air mail service. It was named South African Airways and fell under the administration of the South African Railways and Harbours.

The customer always ranks first at SAA. Each employee attends intensive advanced training programmes to assure a customer-friendly ambience on all SAA flights. The airline rejoined the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in April 2003 enabling SAA to improve the aeronautical infrastructure and to support the “open skies” strategy in Africa.

SAA’s priority is to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. The airline operates one of the most technologically advanced aircraft fleets in the world and offers an exclusive and highly rated product.

SAA is one of the leading carriers in Africa offering over 20 destinations across the continent, as well as major destinations within South Africa, including its hub, Johannesburg.

SAA’s fleet consists of 52 aircraft including new A340-600, A340-300e and A319. Many leading airlines are customers of SAA Technical, the largest and most advanced maintenance provider on the African continent.